Transcript Highlights:

• consumers about cannabis health risks. consumers about cannabis health risks.
• businesses must provide to consumers businesses must provide to consumers factual<00:40:38.040><
• c> information<00:40:39.040> about<00:40:39.520> impairment factual information about
• And then the amendment to consumers.
• products, hemp derived consumer products, hemp derived consumer products.<00:48:17.839> Um,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Movers were required to carry a basic but essential consumer safeguard, and without it, Texas movers
• Re-establishing the standard ensures basic consumer protection, and I will answer... Any questions?
• Texas consumers want this protection because it guarantees that even in the event of loss or damage,
• For consumers, this protection is about trust and fairness. Moving is stressful enough.
• But it's taking all that information to come to the conclusion what is really the safest and best way

Bills: HB341, HB469, HB971, HB1624, HB2721, HB2959, HB3365, HB3731, HB3793, HB3861, HB3946, HB3966, HB4348, HB4401, HB4402, HB4924, HB4966, HB5563

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, businesses and consumers are often unsure what protections are in place and where they
• Otherwise, where does the general public go for this information?
• So now we just price out the consumer.
• The bill that is in front of the committee currently aligns its protections for consumers, foods, and
• so that the information could be preserved and could be utilized to protect the victim."

Summary: The committee heard several public safety-related bills. AB 383 by Assembly Member Davies would expand and clarify firearm restrictions tied to juvenile adjudications, allow certain minor firearm possession for hunting or training with guardian approval, and authorize warrants in some domestic violence-related firearm surrender situations. Supporters, including a district attorney representative, argued it would close gaps in existing law and improve public safety; opponents said it would over-criminalize youth and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 400 by Assembly Member Pacheco would require law enforcement K-9 units to meet statewide POST standards covering training, use of force, and handler skills. Supporters said the bill would create consistency, accountability, and safer deployments; opponents argued the standards were inadequate and would legitimize harmful canine practices. After debate over whether the bill expanded canine use or simply standardized it, the committee approved AB 400 and sent it to Appropriations. AB 380 by Assembly Member Gonzalez would extend price-gouging protections during emergencies, including for hotels, food, essential goods and services, and commercial property, and would remove the 12-month lease limit loophole for rent gouging. Supporters said the bill responds to wildfire-related exploitation and provides clarity for disaster victims; business and landlord groups warned it could amount to commercial rent control and create uncertainty for future emergencies. The author said he would continue working on amendments, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 358 by Assembly Member Alvarez would create a narrow exception to Cal-ECPA so law enforcement could inspect tracking or surveillance devices found in a person’s home, vehicle, or property with the finder’s consent. Supporters said the change would help stalking and domestic violence victims preserve evidence quickly; privacy advocates argued warrants and existing emergency exceptions already cover these situations. The chair proposed narrowing the language to “tracking or surveillance device,” and the bill was held on call after an initial roll with only three votes in favor. The transcript also began AB 247, which would raise pay for incarcerated hand crew firefighters, with testimony from formerly incarcerated firefighters in support, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• One member who represents consumers. D.
• Product safety and recall information. 5. E. Safe disposal information. 6. Two.
• available upon request. 13(2) The information... 13(2) The information described in subsections 9(A)
• Consumers, individuals, they can't.
• And we're trying to fix and clarify some information from a previous... ...clarify some information from

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And similar information from CDFA, AX, And similar information from CDFA, Act Statistics Review, what
• We see this in the wine industry, where we see younger consumers not consuming at the same level as many
• Do appreciate that feedback and information.
• Yeah, so it is just time-consuming for them too. Yes.
• Assembly members, Annali Augustine here on behalf of Consumer Brands Association, representing consumer

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact and Agriculture, held at Fresno State, focused on cost pressures in California’s food system, household affordability, and the Central Valley’s role in agriculture. Opening remarks emphasized Fresno State’s regional importance, the Central Valley’s outsized contribution to food production, and the connection between agricultural health, food security, and the broader economy. Members also noted the impact of the federal shutdown on CalFresh benefits and the state’s efforts to respond with food assistance funding and National Guard support for food banks. The first panel featured academic and policy experts who described agriculture’s economic importance in the San Joaquin Valley and the rising pressures on farms and households. Dr. Conduro highlighted agriculture’s large share of regional GDP, farm receipts, jobs, exports, and food manufacturing, while identifying water scarcity, SGMA-related land fallowing, labor shortages and rising labor costs, market volatility, invasive pests, and production cost inflation as major barriers. Caroline Danielson of PPIC said food prices remain about 30% above 2019 levels, food insecurity affects about 1.8 million California households, and nutrition programs such as CalFresh, WIC, and school meals are essential in reducing poverty, especially in the Central Valley. Susie Pryor of the Central California Small Business Development Center described technical assistance, capital access, and training for small food and farm businesses, while warning that reduced funding limits support for rural and immigrant entrepreneurs. The second panel brought testimony from a small produce business owner, a food entrepreneur, and the Fresno County Farm Bureau. They said input costs for fertilizer, fuel, irrigation, labor, land leases, and compliance have risen sharply while commodity prices have remained flat or fallen, squeezing small farms and food businesses. Panelists stressed the need for small-batch processing facilities, local supply chains, education on food manufacturing compliance, land access for small farmers, and more pathways into agriculture through trade programs, community colleges, and FFA. Ryan Jacobson said California agriculture is facing a prolonged downturn, with farm bankruptcies, weak commodity prices, export-market uncertainty, water reliability problems, and costly ag-burning rules all contributing to financial strain. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible policy solutions and continued engagement with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• REQUIRES THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN COLLABORATION WITH THE FLORIDA SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DEVELOP INFORMATION
• IT CONSUMER SATISFACTION SURVEY TO CAPTURE RESIDENT AND FAMILY MEMBER SATISFACTION WITH IT CONSUMER SATISFACTION
• IF THERE IS FAULT FOUND A CONSUMING APPROPRIATE TOOLS TO DEAL WITH THAT I APPRECIATE EVERYONES SUPPORT
• SENATOR GRALL IS STILL PRESENTING A BILL IN ANOTHER COMMITTEE SO WE WILL STAND AN INFORMAL RECESS UNTIL
• INTO THE FLORIDA CRIME INFORMATION CENTER AND THE NATIONAL CRIME INFORMATION CENTER. >> THAT WAS A GREAT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I testify about science-informed, evidence-based policies that Protect public health and improve behavioral
• I will also tell you that the FDA-approved THC-based medications, in the prescribing information... .
• In the prescribing information, the recommended maximum daily dose of that THC is 30 milligrams.
• Why not include warning labels like those used in Canada and Connecticut to alert our consumers about
• Garden Remedy is one of the few companies in Massachusetts to accept post-consumer packaging.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its fourth hearing, with opening remarks from Senate Chair Adam Gómez and House Chair Dan Donahue emphasizing the committee’s broad agenda, including retail modernization, labor protections, advertising rules, sustainability, and financial resources. Testimony began with public health advocates supporting H.157/S.9 to ban cannabis billboard advertising, arguing that billboards normalize use for youth and are linked to cannabis-related harms such as psychosis, addiction, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Witnesses cited research, family stories, and court decisions in Mississippi and Virginia upholding similar restrictions, while committee members questioned the scope of the state’s authority to regulate billboards on private property and the relevance of federal highway funding and federal cannabis law. The committee also heard testimony on H.175, a proposal to allow cannabis drive-through sales. A dispensary operator argued drive-throughs would improve access, especially for disabled customers and veterans, and said security and ID checks could be handled with cameras and staff screening. Committee members pressed him on how employees would assess impairment, whether drive-throughs could increase access for minors, and whether the industry should be treated like alcohol, with the witness responding that staff already refuse service to intoxicated customers and that education, not prohibition, is the better approach. Another bill, H.3982, would apply the bottle deposit law to carbonated hemp- or THC-infused beverages; the sponsor said the measure would standardize recycling requirements for products already sold in dispensaries and other markets, and members asked about container types and recycling compatibility. A major portion of the hearing focused on labor peace agreements, with UFCW representatives, cannabis workers, and Sen. Lydia Edwards supporting S.77/H.161. They said the bill would require cannabis businesses to remain neutral when workers seek to organize, arguing that unions improve safety, wages, benefits, and job stability in an industry they described as underregulated and prone to retaliation. Witnesses cited workplace hazards, wage theft, and the death of a worker at a Holyoke facility as examples of why stronger worker protections are needed. Committee members asked how the proposal differs from existing labor law, whether tying LPAs to licensing and renewal could create legal or administrative problems, and how other states handle similar requirements. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:02.960> and<00:35:03.119> that information must be filed. and that information
• They have informed choices.
• committees to pass uh consumer committees to pass uh consumer protection<01:25:14.080> legislation
• really good common sense consumer really good common sense consumer protection<01:26:30.840>
• <01:30:01.280> is consumer consumer pro protection is consumer consumer pro protection is

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Inform the House that the Senate has passed House Bill 1 with an emergency clause and returns the same
• Form, providing for the dissemination of public service loan forgiveness information.
• House Bill 73, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Consumer
• Thence, the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee.
• An act relating to insurance, prohibiting the use of credit, education, and occupation information in

Transcript Highlights:

• consumer prices from October of 2025. consumer prices from October of 2025.
• SPGMI now forecasts real consumer SPGMI now forecasts real consumer spending<00:10:19.680> will
• <00:10:40.480> stress observing some signs of consumer stress observing some signs of consumer
• <00:14:30.720> for columns show the same information for columns show the same information
• <00:35:31.359> to be providing that information to be providing that information to legislature

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has to do with consumer protections regarding third party suppliers.
• This has to do with consumer protections regarding third party suppliers.
• We also found that there were some third-party supplier consumer protection issues that arose, and we
• It strengthens consumer protections in Delaware's competitive retail electricity market by increasing
• All in all, a very good and very necessary consumer protection bill for third-party suppliers.

Summary: The committee met in hybrid format on June 18, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum, so minutes were not approved until later in the meeting after additional members joined. The committee heard a series of bills, with most receiving supportive testimony from sponsors, agency officials, advocacy groups, and frequent public commenter Robert Overmiller. Several measures focused on transportation and public safety, including HB 363 on residential speed limits, HB 384 extending DelDOT open-end contracts from three to five years, HB 413 allowing green flashing lights on road work and emergency vehicles, HB 456 streamlining subaqueous lands permitting, and HB 388 letting drivers with temporary medical suspensions keep their license for ID purposes while being flagged in the system as not allowed to drive. Members asked questions mainly about implementation, enforcement, and scope, and sponsors or agency witnesses explained that the bills were intended to improve safety, efficiency, and administrative clarity. The committee also took up HB 111, which would require single-use food service items such as utensils, straws, napkins, and condiments to be provided only upon request, with exemptions for schools, nonprofits, health care facilities, correctional facilities, and similar settings. Supporters, including Plastic Free Delaware and the Sierra Club, said the bill would reduce waste and save businesses money, while opponents from the restaurant industry argued it could confuse customers, hurt tourism, and be difficult to enforce. Sponsors emphasized that restaurants could still ask customers if they wanted items and that the bill included a phase-in period and capped penalties. The committee also heard HB 393, a consumer protection bill for third-party electric suppliers that tightens oversight, training, reporting, renewal notices, and rate limits after concerns about misleading sales and unexpectedly high bills; it drew support from environmental advocates and members who had seen constituent complaints. Finally, the committee heard HB 412 on hunting and trapping education and wildlife drug administration, which was described as a safety and modernization measure and supported by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and sportsmen’s groups, and SB 346, which would speed up Environmental Appeals Board hearings and decisions. SB 346 drew broad support from DNREC, the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, and business groups, though one witness asked to clarify that Superior Court appeal rights would remain intact; DNREC confirmed they would. The committee also approved the June 10, 2026 minutes after quorum was established, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn and unanimous approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• And how do we get the information even necessary to do that? Even necessary to do that.
• We are the independent consumer advocate at the CPUC.
• The public advocates, consumer advocates, are incentivized to over-forecast sales.
• And thank you, Senator Wiener, for all the information you sent me at 6 a.m. this morning.
• There's no other mechanism in place for it not to be at cost to consumers.

Summary: The committee heard several energy and water affordability bills, with extensive testimony on SB 254 by Senator Becker, SB 541 by Senator Becker, SB 453 by Senator Stern, SB 292 by Senator Caballero, and SB 473 by Senator Padilla. SB 254 was presented as a broad utility affordability package addressing short-term climate credits, a Power Fund, tighter scrutiny of rate increases and utility profits, wildfire spending, securitization of future utility costs, and streamlining. Supporters, including TURN and several environmental and public power groups, said it could lower bills and reduce long-term costs; opponents from investor-owned utilities, labor, business, and local government raised concerns about market impacts, insufficient analysis, and the breadth of the bill. The committee approved SB 254 on a 6-3 vote and placed it on call. SB 541 focused on load flexibility and using existing grid capacity more efficiently. Senator Becker described it as a transparency and planning measure to identify cost-effective load shifting and reduce peak demand, while supporters said it could improve resiliency and save money. Several CCAs and utilities opposed the bill in print or unless amended, arguing that some language implied a mandate and that the concept needed more cost-effectiveness analysis; the author said amendments would remove language dividing the state goal among retail suppliers and clarify that the bill is not a procurement mandate. The committee passed SB 541 as amended to Appropriations on a 9-1 vote and left it on call. SB 453 by Senator Stern would return unspent ratepayer-funded microgrid program dollars and was described as a way to keep the lights on and redirect unused funds. It drew support from local government and environmental groups, with PG&E expressing concern about how the bill would affect its ability to spend awarded funds. The committee passed SB 453 as amended to Appropriations on a 12-0 vote. SB 292 by Senator Caballero would require more granular outage and reliability reporting, including census-tract-level data, to better inform resilience planning after PSPS events; utilities opposed unless amended, citing duplicative reporting and regulatory overlap, but the bill passed 12-0 to Appropriations. SB 473 by Senator Padilla would require or expand water utility decoupling to promote conservation and affordability. Supporters, including water utilities, labor, business, and local government groups, argued decoupling stabilizes revenue, supports conservation, and can keep rates lower for low-use customers. The Public Advocates Office opposed, saying prior pilot data showed no conservation benefit and about $1 billion in added costs, and that the CPUC had already rejected similar requests. Committee members questioned the conservation and capital-investment effects of the different rate structures; the author and supporters argued decoupling helps utilities fund infrastructure while allowing lower fixed charges for low-use customers. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on SB 473 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• 47 million 218 1 million for the flood and sea level rise program within the Department of AG and Consumer
• We're a nonprofit dedicated to helping citizens understand their right to informed consent.
• Florida citizens are not adequately adequately informed about the potential health risks of fluoride,
• Trip honor Florida Farm Bureau waiving in support Alex Haley, Florida, Department of AG and Consumer
• Senator, this bill is good for consumers, industry this bill is good for consumers, industry participants

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:07:40.400> pays the price that the consumer pays the price that the consumer pays includes
• . information. information.
• We provide information.
• We provide information. Um, also cancer information around pediatric cancer.
• We provide information.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you talk to me about how we went from giving consumers an informed ability to make the purchases
• Are we here to make sure that people are informed when they make the decisions for themselves?
• I think this issue goes well deeper than just the free market, the right for consumers to choose.
• This is a battle, not of consumer choice, but of long-term survival for the cattle industry.
• This guy said that consumers have the right to buy what they want to buy if they know what it is.

Bills: SB2108, SB2121, SB2171, SB2061, SB2112, SB2138

Keywords: feral swine, nuisance control, wildlife management, hunting permits, agriculture, cultivated meat, food safety, public health, misbranding, advertising, food labeling, food distribution, state regulations, hunting licenses, fishing licenses, veterans, controlled hunts, deer population, wildlife conservation, food policy

Transcript Highlights:

• SO ONE OF THE THINGS I WAS SPEAKING ABOUT IS MY CONCERN IS HOW DO YOU ENSURE BECAUSE IF I'M A CONSUMER
• Kincart Jonsson: THESE ENTITIES ARE ALL LICENSED BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND HAVE TO SUBMIT INFORMATION
• NUMBER THREE ALLOW OIR TO PUT CONSUMERS AND PHARMACIST COMPLAINTS ON THEIR HOMEPAGE.
• I WANT TO COMMEND MY FRIEND BARNEY BISHOP FOR BRINGING THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO THE COMMITTEE.
• I KNOW YOUR GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE THE SAVINGS ARE PASSED ON TO THE CONSUMERS.

Transcript Highlights:

• consumers in their personal and business insurance decisions throughout their lives.
• This bill strengthens Florida's workforce pipeline, supports consumer education, and helps modernize
• consumers in their personal and business insurance decisions throughout their lives.
• This bill strengthens Florida's workforce pipeline, supports consumer education, and helps modernize
• As a healthcare worker, it is absolutely necessary that we have multilingual information for patients

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for HB 1137, which would codify a long-standing DBPR rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct excise tax for broken or spoiled products. The sponsor said the rule had been nullified for lack of statutory authority, and industry representatives waved in support. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. Members then approved PCS for HB 797 on nonprofit corporations, described as a broad update to the nonprofit statute that tracks prior for-profit corporation changes and model act language. A technical amendment was adopted, and testimony from the Florida Nonprofit Alliance and a Bar business law section representative was supportive. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS for HB 679 on trademark registration, which updates the state trademark system to align with federal classifications and create an online application; an amendment extending the implementation date was adopted before the bill passed. The committee next heard several bills related to licensing and regulation. CS for HB 1433 would create an optional high school financial literacy course focused on property and casualty insurance and allow graduates to satisfy pre-licensure requirements for an entry-level license; it passed with support from insurance and free-market groups. HB 929 clarified local permitting for tiki huts, including electrical and plumbing permits, decks, fasteners, and setbacks, and passed without opposition. HB 99 exempted certain underwriting managers handling limited reinsurance business from reinsurance intermediary manager licensing requirements and also passed. A major portion of the meeting focused on gambling enforcement in the strike-all for CS for CS HB 155, which would strengthen penalties for illegal gambling operations, expand oversight of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, clarify fantasy sports and internet sports wagering language, and allow destruction of seized slot machines. Supporters argued the bill would help shut down repeat illegal internet cafés and related criminal activity; one homeowner group opposed it. The committee adopted the strike-all and the bill passed, with several members speaking in favor and a few voting no. The committee also passed HB 1307 on unauthorized aliens after adopting a strike-all that clarified provisions affecting licensing, housing assistance, workers’ compensation, employment enforcement, and related financial services; the bill drew substantial opposition testimony about language barriers and immigrant families, but also support from proponents citing public safety and victim stories. Later, the committee approved DS for HB 387, which would restrict the use of ADS-B aviation data for automatic billing at airports while preserving landing fees and safety functions. It passed after supportive testimony from a private pilot. HB 865, as amended, would require professional management for community associations above a higher budget threshold, add timeshare-specific language, and impose additional licensing and insurance requirements for managers; supporters cited fraud and lack of enforcement in large associations, while one member opposed it as government overreach. The bill passed with one recorded no vote. Finally, the committee passed PCS for HB 885, a transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and bridges, and began debate on CS for HB 33, which would designate a portion of SR 895 near FIU as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and also codify a Donald Trump boulevard designation. That bill prompted sharp debate, with supporters praising Kirk’s influence and opponents objecting to honoring a non-Floridian and to his public statements; the transcript ends during that debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill addresses misrepresentation in the e-bike marketplace and strengthens consumer protections
• This can lead consumers to think that they're all similar and that there's no difference between the
• SB 1167 is a targeted street safety and consumer protection bill. It does not punish legal e-bikes.
• However, consumers are increasingly encountering e-motos marketed as e-bikes that did not...
• The changes in this bill will help consumers make informed decisions, provide a clear framework for regulating

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill addresses misrepresentation in the e-bike marketplace and strengthens consumer protections
• This can lead consumers to think that they're all similar and that there's no difference between the
• SB 1167 is a targeted street safety and consumer protection bill. It does not punish legal e-bikes.
• The changes in this bill will help consumers make informed decisions, provide a clear framework for regulating
• The changes in this bill will help consumers make informed decisions, provide a clear framework for regulating

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on active transportation, transit, road safety, and local enforcement. SB 569 would restrict removal or downgrading of bikeways built with state General Fund dollars for at least 20 years, require public hearings before major changes, and was supported by bicycle advocates and some local and environmental groups. The City of Encinitas opposed the bill, arguing it could limit needed safety fixes and should apply only to future projects; committee members discussed whether the bill still allowed safety-based modifications. The bill passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations. SB 741 would streamline the Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program by reducing administrative burden and giving transit agencies more flexibility to use funds for service improvements, fare programs, and other transit needs while maintaining oversight and disadvantaged community requirements. Transit agencies and advocacy groups supported the measure, saying it would help agencies respond to post-pandemic ridership and financial challenges. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1167, which would tighten consumer protections by clarifying that high-powered e-motos and similar motor vehicles are not e-bikes, requiring clearer disclosures and labels, and improving crash reporting. Supporters said the bill would reduce confusion and improve safety for riders, pedestrians, and parents; the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed unless amended, arguing the term “e-bike” is used broadly and the bill could affect existing businesses. The bill passed to Appropriations. Later, SB 953, dealing with vehicular manslaughter cases dismissed through misdemeanor diversion, would add DMV points so fatal conduct remains reflected on driving records; the bill was supported by the victim’s family and safety advocates and passed to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 1218, which would let local agencies boot vehicles tied to repeated unpaid illegal dumping citations instead of using DMV enforcement. Oakland officials and community groups supported the bill as a needed deterrent, while the ACLU opposed it as punitive debt collection without a sufficient nexus to the vehicle. The bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, SB 739 would revise the Clean Miles Standard for rideshare companies by allowing CARB and CPUC to adjust electric vehicle mileage targets in light of current market conditions; Uber and Lyft supported the flexibility, while clean air advocates began raising concerns about weakening climate goals as the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• access to the information that they very well deserve.
• A diverse board also would have to be accountable to the information about what's happening in those
• Ongoing energy rate increases have a serious impact on consumers.
• The ultimate goal of AB 99 is to protect consumers from excessive energy costs.
• Before we transition to our information hearing, All right. We are back.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 13, which would restructure the CPUC to increase legislative oversight, add legislative liaisons, require more detailed and timely reporting on rate-setting decisions, and add a public advocate member. The author and supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and geographic diversity in CPUC decision-making amid rising utility rates. Witnesses from TURN, San Joaquin County, SDG&E, and former CPUC Commissioner Loretta Lynch offered support or support-in-principle, while no opposition testimony was presented. Members generally praised the bill’s transparency goals, and AB 13 passed 10-0 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then adopted the 2025-2026 committee rules and approved three consent items: AB 61, AB 365, and AB 406. The next bill, AB 99, would cap investor-owned utility rate increases above inflation except for specified costs such as safety, modernization, and fuel/commodity costs. The author and supporters, including a representative of the California Senior Legislature, said the bill was needed to protect ratepayers, especially seniors and low-income customers, from repeated rate hikes. Opposition came from utility labor, utilities, the Chamber of Commerce, and others, who argued the bill was too simplistic, could suppress labor costs, and did not account for major cost drivers such as wildfire mitigation, mandates, and net metering. Several members supported moving the bill forward as a starting point on affordability, while others criticized it as overly blunt. AB 99 passed 11-0 to Appropriations, with the roll left open. The hearing then shifted to an informational panel on strategies to reduce California transmission costs. A Public Advocates Office staffer described a growing backlog of approved-but-unbuilt transmission projects, rising transmission access charges, and long project timelines driven largely by utility pre-application and construction periods. Panelists from Net Zero California and consulting firms presented research suggesting that public financing or public-private partnership lease models could reduce transmission costs by lowering financing, tax, and capital costs, with estimated savings of up to 57% and as much as $123 billion over 40 years. PG&E’s representative said the utility is already pursuing federal loan guarantees, grants, and a public-private partnership with Citizens Energy, but warned that state ownership could create tax, wildfire-liability, and governance risks. Members asked about the CPUC’s role, the causes of delays, and whether public financing could complement existing competitive solicitation processes.